Best 6-String Basses for Advanced 2026

Perfect 6-string basses for advanced - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag

Extended Range Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT*6-String Electric Bass*Deluxe...

4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black

Advanced Techniques Extended Range Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black6-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck (5-bolt): MapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT

Professional Recording Advanced Techniques Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT6-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: Mahogany / Ash / Mahogany / AshTop: AAA flamed...

4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige

Extended Range Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige6-String Electric bassBody: MahoganyTop: Ovangkol5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard:...

4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK

Advanced Techniques Solo Bass Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BKElectric Bass 6-String ModelClassic Vibe SeriesPoplar bodyMaple neckBolt-on neck...

4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF

Solo Bass Extended Range Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN

Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN6-String Bass GuitarThe SL series features a very light bodyPaulownia bodyMaple...

4.4/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM

Progressive Rock Professional Recording Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM6-String Electric BassBTB seriesBody: Okoume5-Piece neck-thru-body: Maple / WalnutFingerboard:...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua

Extended Range Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua6-String Electric BassLimited editionClassic Line SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige

Extended Range Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige6-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodMother...

4.4/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez GSR206B-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Ibanez GSR206B-WNF

Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez GSR206B-WNF6-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite dot fretboard inlays22 Medium...

4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Sandberg California II TM6 BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sandberg California II TM6 BKB

Solo Bass Professional Recording Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Solo bass performance capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Sandberg California II TM6 BKB6-String Electric BassAsh bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard34" Scale (long)22 Frets1...

4.6/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez GSR186-PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez GSR186-PW

Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Ibanez GSR186-PW6-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeNeck: MapleFingerboard: PurpleheartNeck profile: GSR6Fingerboard...

4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS

Jazz Fusion Progressive Rock Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS6-String Electric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian...

4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6

Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 66-String Electric BassBody: BubingaNeck: Bolt-on ovangkolFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10

How to Choose the Best 6-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 6-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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